How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Language and Literature
Published in The Guardian on July 6, 2026, this article explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on language and literature. Linguists point out that people struggle to identify AI-generated texts, and current detection tools remain unreliable. Research reveals a two-way influence: humans and AI are shaping each other’s language use. For instance, the word 'delve' has appeared more frequently in human writing since the launch of ChatGPT.
Claire Hardaker, a professor of forensic linguistics at Lancaster University, warns that
“most people overestimate their ability to recognize AI-written texts.”In the 'Bot or Not' test, participants correctly identify a text’s origin only 60% of the time. Experts stress that no single phrase or stylistic feature can reliably determine whether a human or an AI authored a piece of writing.
AI’s Literary Limits: Where It Falls Short
According to Peter Stockwell, a professor of literary linguistics, modern AI excels at handling individual words, sentences, and grammar but still cannot produce truly compelling literary works.
“Models can build a coherent plot, but they lack the unexpected twists and depth that make stories engaging,”he notes.
Author Jennifer Egan advises writers against using AI for fiction, while Jeanette Winterson sees large language models as just another tool that authors can choose to use. Winterson emphasizes that these technologies can be helpful when applied thoughtfully.
Overall, the research shows that AI has a significant impact on language, but its ability to create quality fiction remains limited.
These findings highlight that, despite AI’s growing role in language processes, human creativity and artistic expression are still irreplaceable. Even as technology advances, it is crucial to maintain a balance between adopting new tools and preserving traditional creative methods. This underscores the need for a critical approach to using AI in literature and linguistics.
As the debate about AI's impact on writing continues, it's essential to consider its limitations. While AI can generate coherent text, it often struggles with maintaining attention and depth in storytelling. Recent findings reveal that AI models like GPT and Claude have not performed well in basic attention tests, raising questions about their effectiveness in creative writing. For a deeper understanding of how AI's capabilities compare to human creativity, check out this analysis of AI's challenges in engaging readers.